The Office of National Drug Control Policy cites that in the state of Washington, powdered and crack cocaine are easily accessible. However, crack is most available in low-income urban areas. With regards to heroin, Mexican black tar is the most predominant form of heroin found in Washington. Like cocaine, marijuana is available in abundance in Washington. The three most commonly found types of marijuana are locally grown, Canadian BC Bud from British Columbia, and Mexican marijuana. In Washington, marijuana users generally prefer locally grown “sinsemilla” and BC Bud, due to their high level of THC.

Meth abuse is common in Washington, impacting all levels of the community. Powdered meth is also known as methamphetamine HCl; however, the more powerful type of meth (known as “ice”–crystal methamphetamine) is easily accessible throughout Washington. Meth users tend to prefer crystal meth, which dominates the Washington market.

Washington allows patients with terminal illnesses and severe diseases to obtain and utilize a 60-day supply of marijuana, after receiving documentation from their physician. In these cases, the physicians and primary caregivers of these patients are protected by law, and are therefore exempt from criminal prosecution or penalizing actions by the Washington state. Users who have become dependent on marijuana are advised to seek marijuana treatment from a treatment facility.

Washington also has it share of club drugs that are prevalent. Ecstasy is smuggled into Washington mainly from Canada, while synthetic drugs such as GHB, and LSD have been seen on a more limited scale in Washington. Additionally, Washington has seen a dramatic increase in the use of methadone.

The 2004-2005 statistics from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) states that 438,000 of Washington citizens, ages 12 or older, admitted to prior month use of an illegal drug.

Per the National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (NSSATS), Washington treatment facilities increased from 310 in 2002 to 439 in 2006. This is due mainly to the addition of private for-profit and private nonprofit facilities. There were 395 facilities offering outpatient care; another 60 offered residential treatment; 17 programs offered opioid treatment; and 96 physicians were certified to provide buprenorphine care for opiate addiction. The federal, state, or local government helped to fund 241 facilities, and managed care establishments aided with substance abuse treatment services at 234 facilities. In recognition of Washington’s need for alcohol and drug treatment, these organizations took proactive steps to supply it.

Treatment facilities provide an invaluable service to all who require it.